All Rocketry Blogs

 Rocketry Product: Estes - Citation Patriot {Kit} (652) [2017-]

Model Rocket Building: Citation Patriot, #000652 Build, Background (2018-05-15)

The original Estes Patriot was part of the Citation line of rocket kits from Estes. These models were packaged to reach a larger audience, aimed at department stores where boxed kits would stack on ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Citation Patriot, #000652 Build, Part 1, Parts (2018-05-16)

Big and Burly. The parts are standard and of good quality. Parts of interest: The big PNC-60AH black plastic nose cone. Two very short launch lugs Gold and black decal sheet (more of this in the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Citation Patriot, #000652 Build, Part 2, More Parts (2018-05-16)

It doesn't look like Estes is using spring steel engine hooks anymore. This one was bent and did not spring back. For me, it's useless. Every time an engine is inserted you could  bend the hook ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Citation Patriot, #000652 Build, Part 3, Nose Cone Prep (2018-05-17)

The nose cone mold seam was slight, both sides of the cone were pretty well aligned. I started with a flat file then moved to 220 grit sandpaper. The remaining recess was filled with a bead of ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Citation Patriot, #000652 Build, Part 4, Engine Mount and Kevlar (2018-05-17)

The instructions show the upper centering ring almost even with the end of the stuffer tube. I glued the ring about 3/16" down from the top for a better fillet. I would have liked to do a r ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Citation Patriot, #000652 Build, Part 5, Engine Mount and Kevlar (2018-05-18)

Here's another one of those steps that could be confusing for a first time builder. It looks like the upper bead of glue is being applied to the outside of the body tube. I obviously goes inside, ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Citation Patriot, #000652 Build, Part 6, Chute Lines and Fin Gluing (2018-05-18)

I almost don't want to tug test on the shroud lines. If they break easily I'll replace them with #10 cotton embroidery thread. They broke! I'll usually work on the pre-assembled parachutes. The ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Citation Patriot, #000652 Build, Part 7, Paint and Masking (2018-05-19)

Earlier on, the main BT-60 tube seams were filled with CWF and a shot of filler/primer. The seams were filled. The picture shows the tube after light sanding of the first white coat. On this tube ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Citation Patriot, #000652 Build, Part 8, Cleanup and Decal Question (2018-05-19)

TIP: Mister Clean Magic Sponges will take off most light paint over sprays. On the left is the before, the right side is after the black smudge was removed. Go light with the magic sponges. They are ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Citation Patriot, #000652 Build, Part 9, Decal Alignment (2018-05-20)

The registration of the blue shield and red bars were slightly out of line. I decided to cut these apart and try to line them up when transferring to the model. The vertical USA decals are applied ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Citation Patriot, #000652 Build, Part 10, Decal Problem (2018-05-21)

Here's another decal you should position dry before soaking. Notice how the the lower tips of the blue and red diagonal bands match the lower corners of the fin trailing edges. GOTCHA: The white ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Estes Citation Patriot, #000652 Build, Finished (2018-05-21)

This was a fun build, bringing back some fond memories. The body tube recess seams were disappointing. They did show through on the finished model. I've read where Estes should fix the logo ... [Read More]

Blast From The Past: NAR 60 Year Reunion, Part 9 - Back to the Display Tables... (2018-08-09)

Here are a couple more interesting displays that were set up on the tables. The first is a very interesting item from the dim and distant past.... Rather than describe this item any further, I ... [Read More]

Blast From The Past: It's A No-Brainer.... (2020-01-02)

Prior to the Holidays, my daughters asked me, "Dad, what do you want for Christmas?" Being a model rocketeer, I didn't  have to think about this one too hard. Here is the ultimate result: ... [Read More]

Blast From The Past: Binge-Building At The Blastfromthepast Shop! (2020-08-31)

 Even though I have not been doing any model rocket flying as of late, things have certainly not been idle in the work shop. The Viking re-build is complete: those flimsy card stock fins ... [Read More]